In Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan and wanted by Russia

Draft First minutes: what human rights defenders usually advise

In Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan and wanted by Russia

Draft. Compiled from human rights groups' guides but not yet reviewed by a lawyer. This is not legal advice — check the linked sources and consult a lawyer.

Since January 2026 Kazakhstan has extradited and deported political émigrés, sometimes within hours, via minor offences like jaywalking. Since August 2026 Russia's Interior Ministry has had an office in Bishkek that exchanges data.
Deal with the police and the KNB only through a lawyer. In Kazakhstan you can invoke Article 19 of the Constitution and not testify against yourself. Do not sign minor-offence reports without a lawyer.
If detained on an extradition request, apply for asylum at once with a lawyer: mistakes in the first application are hard to fix. At the same time, complain to the UN Human Rights Committee and ask for interim measures. This is how Movlaev's extradition was halted.
Have a lawyer check your temporary or permanent residence permit: the KNB is checking forged permits. Without one you may stay 90 days in 180. Expulsion goes to the nearest country — from Astana, to Russia.
Do not transit through Almaty, Astana or Bishkek: Yulia Yemelyanova was detained while changing planes in Almaty. Rights groups advise planning a move to a country with independent courts.
Where to turn: Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights, The Ark (Kovcheg), inTransit. The Anti-War Committee's 'Consuls' help if you face deportation. The Anti-War Committee is designated 'terrorist' in Russia. If you have ties to Russia, contacting it can become grounds for a case under 'terrorism' articles. Write to the 'Consuls' only if deportation is a real threat, and after talking to a lawyer.

Designations of organisations in this guide: Anti-War Committee 'Consuls' (terrorist). Contacting them carries a risk: do not write from a phone that may be seized, and do not repost their materials.

current as of September 25. More: Meduza: interview with KIBHR lawyer Artur Alkhastov (undesirable); Mediazona: Kazakhstan is no longer safe (foreign agent); The Insider: Russia's Interior Ministry expands its office in Kyrgyzstan (undesirable)

Who helps

5 organisations

Kazakhstan International Bureau for Human Rights and Rule of Law

Protects Russians in Kazakhstan from extradition and deportation and helps with asylum; also takes cases of Kazakh activists and journalists.

Helps people already in Kazakhstan; lawyer Artur Alkhastov advises Russians. Entering or transiting Kazakhstan is risky: since January 2026 the authorities have extradited and deported political refugees.

If Telegram doesn't open: Telegram channel @kibhr

Kazakhstan link checked September 25

Get in touch bureau.kz

inTransit

Helps anti-war Russians, deserters and people mobilised against their will: evacuation, EU humanitarian visas, temporary housing and support in visa-free countries.

Since October 2025 Germany has effectively closed fast-track humanitarian visas for Russians — ask which options remain.

If Telegram doesn't open: website · team@intransit.help

Germany and the EU

Message the bot @intransithelpbot

UNHCR Help

UN Refugee Agency country pages: how to apply for asylum, where to go, local partner contacts.

worldwide

Get in touch help.unhcr.org

The Ark (Kovcheg)

Legal advice for people who have left (documents, residence permits, visas, asylum, extradition risk), temporary housing, free psychologists, mutual-aid chats by city.

Lawyers via the Telegram bots @kovcheglive_bot and @EmigrantHelpBot; psychologists and housing via forms on the website. The project was set up with support from the Anti-War Committee, designated 'terrorist' in Russia in March 2026; The Ark itself is a 'foreign agent'.

If Telegram doesn't open: team@kovcheg.live

abroad foreign agent link checked September 25

Get in touch kovcheg.live

Anti-War Committee 'Consuls'

Emergency help for anti-war Russians abroad facing deportation to Russia or refusal of residence or asylum: appeals to authorities, finding local lawyers. 13 EU countries, the UK and the US.

On 2 March 2026 Russia's Supreme Court designated the Anti-War Committee a 'terrorist organisation'. Contacting, taking part or donating can lead to charges under terrorism articles for anyone with ties to Russia or plans to travel there. They do not help people inside Russia. Use only if you face a real deportation threat.

abroad terrorist

Get in touch antiwarcommittee.info

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